Young researchers say government budget-slashing measures undermine Japan’s future science technologies

Japan Press Weekly

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Young researchers say government budget-slashing measures undermine Japan’s future science technologies

Of the 133 universities and research institutes across the nation, 1,474 young researchers on November 21 submitted a letter to the ministry of education, science, and technologies, calling for a reconsideration of the budget-slashing measure in the field of studies the young researchers are involved in.

The government in its recent budget-screening work concluded that it will drastically cut the budget allocations to foster young researchers, grants-in-aid for scientific research, and research fellowships for young scientists.

The letter says that programs for young researchers give a chance to scientists in their 20s and 30s to further their research and develop human resources to take a lead in Japan’s scientific field. The letter also defines these programs as essential from a long-term perspective, and demands that the government review its budget-slashing decision.

Associate professor at Kanazawa University Sato Jun, 32, said, “If the budgets are cut, some young researchers won’t be able to continue their studies and will become unemployed. It is also possible that in 20 or 30 years of time, there will be no Japanese researchers in Japan. The government should have a long-term prospective for the country’s scientific development.”

- Akahata, November 22, 2009